I am afraid of being alone the rest of my life.

I am afraid of being alone the rest of my life.  I had ten good years with Smokey before he died.  I don't want to be alone.  Then again, I don't want to settle for just anyone because I am afraid of living the rest of my life alone.  I would rather learn to love myself, be happy with myself and learn to love living alone then to settle for anyone.  I settled the first time when I got married and now we are divorced. It was not much fun let me tell you that for sure.  When you settle, you don't get what you really want, need or get what is best for you.  Maybe you don't believe me, but I had the best with Smokey and I want the best again, if that is possible, or I will live alone.  Settling for anyone so a person is not alone is not a very good option and it sucks.  I speak from personal experience.  I want it to be good this time round for me.  I am learning what I want, accept and don't want in my life.  It's a good thing. Once you know what you want, accept and don't want, it makes life a whole lot easier.  I am in that particular process and I have vented in my journal writings about various things.  I think I am on the road of inward healing and self reflection.  It's neither good nor bad but just is the fact. 
Where is everyone else in their own stage of grief or inward healing?
All the best to you from Diane Baillie